What If I'm an Atheist?: A Teen's Guide to Exploring a Life Without Religion

Gr 8 Up—Seidman advertises his work as a self-help guide for teens who question their faith or have decided that they are not religious. Unfortunately, the book's content does not match the goals that Seidman offers in his introduction. In an effort to define atheism, the author fills the first half of the book with quote after quote from famous atheists, as well as those from teens and adults sharing their own anecdotes and beliefs, which makes the book seem more suited for a research paper than for adolescents seeking guidance. In the second half, Seidman hits his stride and provides some useful advice on telling parents and friends, dealing with those who would convert atheists or treat them as pariahs, and how to argue for one's beliefs. The book contains an appendix with additional resources and an extensive list of notes citing the origin of every quote. Readers may find more support from one of the sources listed here.—Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Jefferson, LA